New challenges, new opportunities to think, learn and grow
2020 brought situations that we have never imagined but also, gave us time to discover new skills, new opportunities to advance and achieve different goals. Now, everything is changing again. Change is something that we can’t control but we can face it with the ability to adapt fast in the best way possible.
Working at home, between different activities that flows up in the day like cleaning, cooking, taking care of our children, and much more, is a new challenge that we conquer as a family, although it is not always easy. This year everything changed; it was a swing of changes constantly.
We know that the pandemic and COVID-19 changed everything around us, to a greater or lesser extent in different situations. However, the way or how we can adapt to changes transforms these challenges into new opportunities to grow and continue advancing.
A new year is coming, and surely we will be facing new challenges. Nowadays, most of us are desperate to get back to the new normal, but this has effects that will cause an impact in different areas that we organized before and now we will have to do it all over again, like changing our family dynamics that were hard work to achieve. On the other hand, for many of us it should be hard to be separated from our children, this can be the most difficult part of the process not only for us but also for them.
The routines that we have created during these last months generate a type of emotional stability in our children. Breaking these habits overnight, could have a negative effect on their emotional stability. But, not just because of that, do we have to stop advancing and changing. This process should be gradual, talking and explaining to them what is going to happen and change, but also walking by their side, affirming and showing love to them during this transition.
How can we do it?
Set up their bed time. Create a routine where they can recognize that it is time to get ready for bed. This could be bath time, put on their pajamas, brush their teeth, and even a relaxing massage with chamomile cream.
Talking with them about the great things that they will do at preschool to awaken positive emotions in them.
Regulate the time that you are together. This can be the hardest part of the process, but will make it easier to cope with separation. How? Enhance their autonomy in some activities, and if your work allows you, start with short times at preschool alternating with being at home, at the beginning
Encourage hygiene habits. Explain and teach them the importance of washing their hands. You can do this with some reward games.
With these little actions, the transition will be easier for everyone. Remember that preschool is important for their emotional development, their relationships with others, and with the world around them. Don’t be afraid of change, get prepared, and get back to the game together again.